April 2021 - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Let us pray that we live the risen life of Jesus: God of the living, who will believe that your Son is risen, if he is not alive among us today? Do not let the death of sin hold us. Make us brim with his life so that it may overflow upon those around us in deeds of compassionate forgiveness and generosity without measure. Nourish our life together with you and one another through the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ.

Amen.

(Claretian Publications, alt)

Sunday Reflection (April 18, 2021)

April 21, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Each person is given dignity because he/she is created in God’s image, and through the Holy Spirit we grow in divine likeness unto the Image of Christ, and “what we will be” not “who” will be revealed (1 John 2:28-3:3). Yet, what prevents this from developing in our lives as individuals and as Christ’s Church? I found these words illuminating this: “What seems to be evil in us is purified by the mere fact of having noticed it…At the moment we notice our sin, we have not only drawn closer to our goal, but we have also drawn further away from it (René Girard).” What thwarts the image of Christ being more fully formed within us and among us?

Daily Devotion April 7, 2021

April 7, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Daily Devotion April 6, 2021

April 7, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (April 4, 2021)

April 5, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Why would anyone crucify Jesus the Christ? Do not be deceived: Not everyone wants relationships healed and good things to happen to others. Many in power and privilege like the way things are with little thought for those without power and position. May we not overlook indifference, because by our indifference we thwart the doing of good and the healing of relationships that God intends.

The Good News is that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit in Christ’s Church to demonstrate the kindness and favor of God to the world (Acts 10:34-43). Christ’s Church fosters the healing of relationships, especially with those from whom we are estranged and disagree with. As a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good and bring healing to the world. Resurrection is about life, restoration, reconciliation, and healing: Embrace it!

Prayer for the Week (April 4-April 10, 2021)

April 5, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us give thanks to the Father for he has brought us life and joy through Jesus, his risen Son. God of life and of love, we rejoice today that Jesus is risen and that you continue in us the work of resurrection that lifts us above our faults and mediocrity to joy and unselfish love as we serve you in one another. Through the Holy Spirit lead us to bring hope and justice to all around us until you raise us up to share in your happiness without end. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our risen Lord.
Amen.

(Claretian Publications)